Eye Care

This page helps you find and choose an eye care provider. For condition information, see the Eye care health topic.

What eye care covers

Eye care includes routine sight tests, prescribing and fitting glasses or contact lenses, monitoring eye conditions and surgery. Different professionals cover different parts of that, which is why the titles matter.

Ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician

• An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has specialised in eyes. They diagnose and treat eye disease, prescribe medicines and perform surgery.
• An optometrist is trained to examine eyes, test vision, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and detect signs of eye conditions, which may lead to a referral. The scope of practice varies by country.
• An optician (sometimes called a dispensing optician) fits and supplies glasses and contact lenses from a prescription, and advises on frames and lenses.

HealthNaro lists Ophthalmology and Optometry as specialties. Ask any practice which of these roles will see you.

Main services

Listed services include eye examinations, spectacles and contact lenses, cataract surgery and glaucoma management. A profile shows only the services the provider has told us about.

How to choose a provider

• Match the need to the role: routine testing and glasses to an optometrist or optician; disease, surgery or medical eye problems to an ophthalmologist.
• Check registration with the relevant national regulator and ask for the number if you want to confirm it.
• Read the verification label. Public listing means details come from public sources; Contact verified means we confirmed the contact details; Reviewed by HealthNaro means we compared the listing with evidence; Credentials verified means a named person checked a register or document. Labels are not quality ratings.
• Ask whether the practice can see you on the same site for tests, glasses and follow-up, or refers elsewhere.
• For surgery, ask who performs it, where, and what follow-up is included.

What to prepare

Bring your current glasses or contact lenses and any earlier prescription. List medicines you take and any family history of eye conditions. Note the symptoms you have noticed, such as blurred vision or discomfort. If your pupils may be dilated, ask whether you should arrange transport home.

Cost, insurance and access

Costs vary by examination type, lenses and frames, and surgery is usually priced separately from consultations. Ask what is included in an estimate, including follow-up. Check your insurer's cover for eye tests and glasses. HealthNaro shows prices only where a source and date exist.

Free request

Send a free request and, with your consent, we share only the fields you choose with suitable clinics. HealthNaro does not give medical advice.